Fantasy Spin: Madness in Miami as 270 Points Scored in Double-OT

DraftStreet Of Dreams

The two main lessons I’ve learned in daily fantasy leagues over the last few months are diversification and consistency.

If a league allows multiple entries, like the $1,000 GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) it’s to your advantage to enter different lineups. No matter how confident you might be about one roster, the ‘backup’ team can make your night. Being consistent — making the same or very similar plays every day — also pays off, because it takes a combination of skill and luck to win, and the latter can come (or go) at any time.

If the only time you try daily fantasy hoops is in the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll, you are bucking enormous odds. More than 1,000 teams have entered that contest in three of the last four weeks, and everyone is more than welcome to participate this Friday. However, cash leagues, with entry fees as little as $2, feature a maximum number of entries, considerably more prize money and way more winners. Only the top 15 (out of 1,000+) get paid in the Freeroll; there are 50 prizes (out of 550) in money leagues.

In other words, you don’t have to finish first to beat this game. Last night, I took a shot with the Lopez brothers at center in just one lineup. It was my ‘third choice’ team that finished sixth out of 550 to win $40 cash. In a different GPP, I came third out of 220, which paid $45. Total investment was $14, so that’s a $71 profit on the night and I’m up $51 for the week so far. Those consolation prizes really add up.

DraftStreet 15

Feb. 27

Stars

Over $13,000

Kevin Durant

$22,105

James Harden

$20,543

Al Horford

$19,592

Carmelo Anthony

$16,242

Russell Westbrook

$19,238

Scrubs

Under $9,000

Andrea Bargnani

$5,722

Donatas Motiejunas

$5,479

Marcus Thornton

$7,489

Tobias Harris

$6,868

Devin Harris

$8,358

Starters

$9,000 to $13,000

Damian Lillard

$12,631

DeMar DeRozan

$12,203

Omer Asik

$11,954

Manu Ginobilir

$10,688

Wilson Chandler

$9,482

With ten NBA games tonight, there is almost too much talent to choose from. In particular, there are a lot of potential bargains, so I’m inclined to more of a ‘Stars-and-Scrubs’ approach. You can make unlimited roster moves until the 7:00 EST deadline; I’ll replace Rodney Stuckey for sure if Brandon Knight returns to the lineup.

My hunch is that Andrea Bargnani has been psyched out by the negativity of his home fans, who seem to blame the player — not GM Bryan Colangelo — for being picked first overall. One of these nights, he will drop 20+ in a road game to show the other 29 teams he can still play. At tonight’s price, he’s worth a shot.

The Fantasy Spin is here every morning, by 10:00 EST. Follow me on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates.